Sept. 20, 2009

Box Score

Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina women's soccer team controlled most of the offensive possession against UNC Asheville, but the match concluded with a 0-0 draw in sloppy conditions at the Catamount Athletic Complex on Sunday afternoon.

The Catamounts (3-3-2) outnumbered the Bulldogs (3-3-1) in the shot column, 15-8, but couldn't find the back of the net due to a rain-drenched field in day two of the Catamount Classic.

"It took us a little while due to the conditions to generate some good opportunities for ourselves because it goes against everything that we have been working on," said Catamounts coach Tammy DeCesare. "You can't keep the ball on the floor when there is puddles all over the field."

The draw gave goalkeeper Caitlin Williams her fourth save of the season and her 18th career shutout. The 18th shutout by Williams ties former WCU standout Mandi Tinsley for the second most shutouts in school history. The junior is just one shy from tying all-time career leader Alesha Row.

"(Caitlin) continues to do things incredibly well," exclaimed DeCesare. "She made sure she made good saves. I thought she did everything very well. She is going to be number one in the shutout column very soon."

The strong-willed Williams deflected seven UNC Asheville shots, including a zinger by Hannah Jeske in the 93rd minute of the first overtime.

There were several golden opportunities for the Cats, but the weather slowed the pace of the strong Catamount offensive attack.

Western Carolina's Kellie Oberholtzer had a breakaway opportunity at the 35th minute in the first half, but the ball skipped a few inches wide to the left of the net. Defender Jenny Matteson banged the ball off the top of the crossbar in the first overtime period, narrowly missing a Catamount goal.

Matteson and midfielder Shanna Schmoker each led the team with three shots.

"Once we got the hang of things, we generated some great opportunities," said DeCesare.

"We knew it was going to take something a little bit special to beat (UNC Asheville goalkeeper Veronica Lazar)."

The corner kick category loomed heavily in the favor of the Catamounts as WCU held the advantage, 10-3.

DeCesare noted the frustration in the corner kick opportunities, "We have been working on our set pieces. The services were good for the most part because we were getting on the end of them. They were either a little bit high and or a little wide. It was frustrating to watch at times."

Four Catamounts were named to the Catamount Classic All-Tournament team. Williams, Matteson, Schmoker and senior Rachael Shomper all garnered honors. Sunday's accolades were the second of the season for Williams and Schmoker, after they earned All-tournament distinction at the Hurricane Cup earlier this month.

Western Carolina will begin Southern Conference play next weekend as they host Davidson on Friday evening and Georgia Southern next Sunday afternoon at the Catamount Athletic Complex.